Scripture Scribbles: November 23, 2025

the Gospel

Luke 23:35-43

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,
"He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God."
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
Above him there was an inscription that read,
"This is the King of the Jews."

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
"Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us."
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
"Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal."
Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise."

the scribble

Just shortly before the Advent Season in the liturgical calendar begins, I was expecting to read something about Christmas or Mary’s conception of Jesus. Instead, our gospel for this Sunday is about Jesus hanging on the cross next to the criminals who committed really serious crimes. I had to do a double take as I read the gospel because I was a bit surprised. Nonetheless, I particularly liked what the penitent thief on the cross said to Jesus. "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." But what I loved even more was Jesus’ reply to this man.

"Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

Isn’t this the ultimate reward? Redemption? Shouldn’t this be our major goal while still on earth? Salvation?

I envy the penitent thief because although he was mentioned very briefly in the Bible, a law-breaking nobody at that, he received the most important promise that Jesus could ever make: paradise!

This goes without saying that who we are in life is irrelevant. Who we are, will not guarantee that Jesus shall save our souls at all. However, what we do and say, will.

Let’s take a closer look at the outlaw upon whom Jesus’ favor rests. This person showed humility, accountability, and repentance.

First, he was humble enough to acknowledge his sins and even said that his sins correspond to his punishment. Second, he took responsibility for his crime. He believed he was condemned justly and didn’t blame Jesus or anybody, for his downfall. Lastly, he showed repentance. He acknowledged Jesus as sinless and asked to be remembered when Jesus enters His kingdom. He recognized Jesus’ saving power.

God knows everything. He knew the sincerity of this man. The content of his heart earned him a place in heaven. Then it should no longer be a surprise that he could join Jesus. I hope that we can be half as good as this person was.

As the advent draws nearer, may we also manifest humility, accountability, and repentance. May we be a breath of fresh air in this world where many people live in pride and arrogance. Where others blame the government, their peers, or everyone else except themselves, for their misfortune. Where some still don’t know how to ask for forgiveness for their wrongdoings.

Perhaps this particular gospel about Jesus being rebuked, insulted, sneered at, and mocked is an invitation for us. Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection happened so long ago. However, there are still modern-day haters and non-believers of Christ. In this modern digital era, we are invited to help the haters and non-believers. We exist so that we don’t condemn them. Instead, we exist so that we can lead them to the Lord by showing that we are humble, accountable, and repentant. May we do this or continue to do so until we earn our respective places in heaven. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Edwina Yu